Kevin Ball remembers as if it was yesterday the moment Niall Quinn rocked up at Sunderland for the first time.
Quinn arrived on Wearside in August 1996 aged 29 after a six-year spell at Manchester City saw him establish himself as a seasoned professional.
Peter Reid pinpointed the Irishman as the ideal man to partner Kevin Phillips at the sharp end of the Black Cats’ attack and the rest, as they say, is history...
Fast forward 20 years and Quinn has hit the landmark age of 50, something which Bally, and many Sunderland fans have joined together to wish a true club legend a very happy birthday.
“He looks fantastic for his age and it’s unbelievable that he is 50,” he said.
“He is a great bloke and I hope he has a fantastic day.
“He is respected in football as a former manager, chairman, player and now pundit. He has a very supportive family behind him all the way and they are a huge influence in his life.
“I was fortunate enough play alongside him at Sunderland and that will be something I will never forget.
"It makes me casts my mind back to when he arrived at the club in the 90s and to think that was 20 years ago is just incredible, I can’t believe how quick it has gone.
“Anybody who comes to the club and gets what we are about is on to a good thing," he continued.
“Niall worked so hard here at Sunderland and I know he appreciates all the support he has received over the years. I think I speak for all Sunderland fans when I wish him a very happy birthday."
